In the words of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In other words, it’s a beginning. Low-income senior citizens who live in 28 HUD-assisted housing communities across the country now qualify for low-income Internet, but we hope for much more in the future.
But let’s not downplay the news too much because this really is a great first step.
Comcast and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had been testing a low-income program for low-income seniors in Boston, Palm Beach County, FL, San Francisco, Seattle and Philadelphia. Now they’re making high-speed Internet access available in public and HUD-assisted housing in 28 communities across the country.
That means older adults in all of Comcast’s markets can now apply for the company’s Internet Essentials program to obtain internet access for $9.95 per month. It’s also offering technical training, digital literacy programs, and devices for senior citizens in those communities.
Of course, Comcast can only offer this new low-cost Internet plan for seniors in areas where it does business. The ten largest cities with HUD-assisted housing in Comcast’s service area are Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore, Houston, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Atlanta, San Francisco and Pittsburgh.” Beyond those ten cities, Comcast offers service in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
The program will reach more than 40% of all HUD-assisted households across the country.
“This is the single largest expansion of the Internet Essentials program in its history,” said David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President of Comcast, “and we’re thrilled to be working with HUD to help connect even more families, including seniors, veterans and adults without children, to the transformative power of having internet service at home.”
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, “Approximately 4.8 million households in the United States receive housing assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development … Nearly a third (30%) of public housing residents are elderly…”
That’s why we started off by calling this the first step of a thousand mile journey. Comcast is covering 40% of the nation’s low-income seniors, but what about the missing 60%. And what about the millions of low-income seniors who don’t live in HUD-assisted housing?
Now it’s time for all the other low-income Internet service providers — Access from AT&T, CenturyLink’s Internet Basics, Cox Cable, Eagle Communications, MediaCom, Midco, SuddenLink, etc — to jump on the bandwagon and begin to offer a similar program in their respective coverage areas.
Let’s complete this thousand mile journey.
Donna says
Hi I live in the NH area and I am currently receiving fuel assistance and electrical assistance but I do not live in a hud home or have any children I will be 59 this December and am trying to make extra income on ebay but it is getting to be too much going to the library or McDonalds to use the internet. I have gone to your cheapinternet and am lost do you know of any company that I would be eligible for. I used Comcast 1 free hr /month but now I would have to set up a hold bunch of accounts and I don’t think that is what they intended this service for so I am presently getting every thing I need to do to gether and paying for how many hr I think it would take to get it done it is $18.95 for 7 days I just signed up for to try and find something I can afford my present income is 11,540./yr hope you can help me Thanks Donna
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out a program called PCs for People, Donna. If it’s available in your area, it’s a great solution:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
While you’re on that page, check out all the other low-income internet plans to see if you are eligible for any of them, too.
Carolyn Adams says
I think that I would be better off with cheaper internet connection.And I’ll get better service.I’m in an apartment complex.I’m in North Carolina Wilkesboro.
Linda Williamson says
I need some internet for low income seniors please inform me how to do so
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are no plans aimed specifically at seniors, Linda, but you should check out all the low-income internet plans available. You may qualify for one or more of them. Pay particular attention to PCs for People. It’s a great choice if it’s available where you live:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
viola kennedy says
I would be very happy to get do a drawl on my internet and phone.that way I can get domethings I really need .I live in Hud housing in Birmingham,Al I’m a senior on a very. Low income.I know many senior who would be very grateful. For such a offer. Thank you in Advance. Viola Kennedy
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Before you decide to go with any program, you should definitely check out all the other low-income internet plans. Here’s where you can find them, Viola:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Trish says
I’m a senior on section 8 assistance. I have an assurance wireless virgin mobile phone and a boost mobile phone. Neither works to make or receive calls. They are dropped. I can’t get internet unless it’s sumtimes Kate at night. Boost mobile said there are 5 towers near me but the problem still exists. I need 1 Mobil service to make and receive calls and to use Google so I don’t get lost out there. I don’t need Facebook or internet for anything but research. What would b best for me?
Trish says
I’m a disable senior citizen on section 8 in safe harbor pa. I have two phones but neither if them work to make and receive calls. Assurance Wireless and boost mobile. I need to make BV and receive calls and to use Google for navigation out there. I need a subsidized plan. Can anyone help me? I heard about NetZero mobile but lack skills to do comparative shopping and don’t know all the terms.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It sounds like you probably qualify for a number of the low-income internet plans, Trish. Take a look at all of them at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Kini izzard says
I’m a senior disabled in Las Vegas NV 89103. I need help with finding what company have low-income internet in my area. Low-income and or subsidised. Please help me. Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here you go, Kini. Here’s where you can find a complete list of ALL the low-income internet plans. It should be easy for you to go through each of them to see which ones are available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Ernest H. Blackwood says
I’m 57 years old and disabled, but turned down for disability for no good reason. I have to drive to a library to use the internet. I have no income. How can I receive very inexpensive WI-FI Internet at my home? 39507, Gulfport, MS
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income plans that range from $5 per month to $14.95 per month. All you need to do is find the ones you’re eligible for that are available in your area. Use the link below to check out AT&T, PCs for People, and 4GCommunity. From what you’ve told us, they’re what you’re looking for (IF they’re available in your area). Here’s that link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
SHARON MCGINNITY says
My husband and I qualify for california life line phone service. We would like to see if we are eligible for the internet service. Our service is with cox for the internet and lifeline phone service.
Can a home have a house phone, and the free cell program?
My husband is hard of hearing and we want to know if with the free call phone program, could we have 2 free cell phones and get rid of the house phone? Sharon McxGinnity
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, you can have a Lifeline home phone and the Cox plan simultaneously. Unfortunately, only one Lifeline discount is permitted per household, so you cannot get to free cell phones.
Lisa Milam says
I have been trying to obtain low income internet assistance for months now for my mother and there is no help to be found.
I am in a desperate situation. My mother is 87 and bedridden. She requires 24 hr care. There are times when her caregivers have to leave to get her medications or groceries so we have to have the internet so that we can have a wifi camera system so that I can monitor at all times from my home.
My mom is on hud housing, receives SSI and I am also disabled and cannot work and qualify for the SNAP program.
It is urgent that I obtain help for these bills. They are eating us alive.
Our service provider is Spectrum. They have a monopoly on service here in our area. They keep telling me that there is no such assistance.
HELP ME PLEASE!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out ALL the low-income internet plans currently available at this link, Lisa:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to AT&T, PCs for People and 4GCommunity, because they are not cable-based.
Rudy says
Access AT&T just need SNAP proof
Fran cervantes says
Hi iam home bound and internet was & is my only out side world.. l now can’t afforestation or wifi so I sit here thinking how /who could help me get help to feel alive…. it’s sad so sad I can’t find help maybe you can help me plz fran…
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There may be a couple plans that can help you out, Fran. You can find all the low-income plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Are you on SNAP (food stamps)? If so, you are eligible for the AT&T program is you live in an area served by AT&T. You should also take a look at PCs for People and 4GCommunity. Both of those programs have less restrictive eligibility requirements, so you might qualify for them if you live in an area served by either program.
Good luck, Fran.
Loreto Robertina says
senior citizens internet Moy home tank .
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’ve passed this comment around the office hoping that someone would be able to figure out what it means. So far, no luck. Any readers want to take a stab at its meaning?
Patty says
Why only “seniors” in low income housing??? I live in a housing assistance building for seniors OR disabled persons of any age.
Disabled persons also live on Very limited incomes, yet they are Rarely included in any programs for reduced cost services.
There seems to be this misconception that all their needs are provided for — they are not.
Last year, disabled persons on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) received no increase in income. However, that did not stop their utilities from increasing, their rent from increasing, their cable services from increasing.
This year, my SSDI did increase by $3 each month — THREE DOLLARS. Once again, my rent increased, my utilities increased, AND my cable increased — about $20.
My budget is stretch as tight as piano wire. I cannot even afford the extra gas for my car to drive the 54 mile round trip to visit my 81 yr old mother!
According to the current Spectrum guidelines, even if they eventually offer internet services at a reduced rate in my area, I will not qualify because I receive SSDI. Persons over 65 yrs old in my rent assisted building would qualify, but not the others who are disabled.
People seem to forget that many Disabled persons are so poor they qualify for Medical Assistance, Food Share, rental assistance, and often NEED to visit their local food pantries to survive. WHY are Disabled persons continually overlooked when it comes to life enriching opportunities? (In Wisconsin, enrichment classes are offered to all seniors at a greatly reduced rate through the Technical Schools. Disabled persons, who usually have much less income, must pay full price for the same enrichment classes. Why?)
Why aren’t the reduced internet rates made available to Seniors AND Disabled persons who also qualify for housing assistance, etc.?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Damn good question, Patty. We hope that happens sooner rather than later. In the meantime, take a look at a couple of the low-income plans that may work for the disabled. PCs for People is income-based and the income limits are pretty high, and the other is 4GCommunity, which has no eligibility requirements at all. You can find them both at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
jennine kepnes says
i am low income senior in hud housing but had comcast so needed to discontinue for 90days.thru reading your info on pcinternet in st.louis was able to get modem and internet for 9.95/month.i do live in boston so am eligible for comcast program but am reluctant to change.thank you so much for invaluable info and would like to encourage other seniors to take advantage of this offer.only drawback is buying modem and sometimes if watching netflix or high speed videos some sputtering occurs but minor inconvenience. also have free cell with assurance wireless program.do you know when android phones available.called them but not able to get answers.i’m hearing impaired and phone i have can’t use.any low cost landline phone service available or will lifeline discount apply to comcast landline phone i have.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks for the kind words, Jeannine.
First of all, we’re a little confused as to which company you signed up with and where? Boston? St Louis? Which company?
Assurance offers Android phones right now. In fact, if you visit its website Android phones are promoted right on the home page.
Finally, here’s an article that tells you about the speech/hearing/vision-impaired policies of all the major free government cell phone companies (from our other site, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net). Good luck!
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
jim driscoll says
would like low income for internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do you qualify, Jim? Here’s where you can check out all the plans and all the companies:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Cindy says
I would like to be a instructor in high desert calif. Where can i get resourses
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
An instructor of what, Cindy?
miri says
I am a senior citizen, interested in internet service, When can I apply for one of these programs. I live in NYC.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do you qualify, Miri? You must live in an area served by Comcast and live in HUD-assisted housing in order to qualify.
If you don’t qualify for either of those reasons, check out PCs for People at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
catherine says
I live in Pittsburgh, PA and I just called Comcast about your article providing lower internet costs for low income seniors and they said that program was just for families with children. Today is 11-28-16. Do you have any other suggestions or information on how low income seniors can get internet cheaper?:
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The program is being rolled out in HUD-assisted housing across the country (in areas served by Comcast). It will get to Pittsburgh eventually, but we cannot tell you when.
Check out all the low-income plans available, Catherine, because one of them may be available in your area. In particular check out PCs for People, which bases eligibility on income rather than on participation in any other public assistance programs. You can see all the plans here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Geo says
There are long lines to get in the HUD housing in Maryland, which will not help in my lifetime. Why wouldn’t be this low cost internet for all low income senior citizens?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s a damn good question, Geo. We’ve asked it many times. We can see no reason to differentiate between low-income seniors living in HUD-assisted housing and low-income seniors who live elsewhere.
BETTY TUCSON says
I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM ,,ARE THEY OFFERING IT IN TUCSON, AZ. IF SO WHERE DO I SIGN UP FOR IT. ? ~~BETTY~~
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, it will be available in Tucson eventually. Comcast is rolling the program out market-by-market and there has not yet been a published schedule that announces when each city will offer it. So keep checking back. You might also call Comcast customer service to ask about its availability.
SandieMI says
I live in HUD-assisted housing, am a low-income senior, and have fought with Comcast over their internet service prices for years. Now, I’m supposed to be eligible for this program for seniors, and Comcast says I have to be a non-subscriber in the past 90 days to qualify! They’re the ONLY service in this area. We have no AT&T. How do I go without service for 3 months in order to qualify for this program???? This is an INSANE qualification for reducing my bill with Comcast to something I can afford.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree, Sandi. It is insane. Here’s something you might try. Look up PCs for People at the link below. It might work for you IF you live in an area served by Sprint’s national cell network. Who knows? If you can get it, you might not even want to go back to Comcast:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Melany Rowley says
I’m53. 100% disabled. Never asked for housing until my so past away over two yrs ago. Now I’m in a ft. Worth tx afforable housing unit. But I still do not see anything for extremely low income disabled individuals. Will they ever include us?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
The best we can say is we hope so, Melany. It’s really a shame that America’s disabled and America’s veterans do not have paths to cheap internet. There are a couple things you might try, Melany. Do you think you qualify based on low-income? Take a look at the PCs for People plan at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
It’s available anywhere the Sprint national cell network is available and it’s almost impossible to believe that Sprint doesn’t cover Houston.
CHERIE SERJEANT says
My internet just went up $10 thru Bright house. I do not know what I am going to do
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Take a look at our complete list of low-income service providers, Cherie. You may find that alternatives are available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
G Love says
After reading your story in April about pcs for people,
I saved my money. In September I applied and everything works great. Finally internet at 75 years. I am so happy and grateful for your newsletter and this piece. That is the best deal. Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You warm the cockles of our hearts (despite the fact that we do not know what “cockles” are), G Love. We love to hear from happy customers.
joseph hakes says
what can i do to talk to my att or any other big company to see if they can get it where i live, to get them to move faster here in Darke county greenville ohio, arcanum versailles to name but a few cities in darke county ohio. i live in greenville
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
First of all, you need to find out which of the service providers offers service in your area. Then contact the company’s (or companies’) to ask when the HUD-assisted Internet will be available.
Richard B Telles says
How can I get that free Laptop for Seniors over 65? I am 67!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
What free laptop are you talking about, Richard? Several companies have programs from which you can get computers for less than $150, but no free ones.
Julio Covington Sr says
I am receiving service in Sacramento, Ca .. I’m 64 And very grateful!!
Thank You!!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Happy to hear that you’re pleased, Julio.
SHEL says
I WOULD LOVE THAT HERE IN MANCHESTER , NJ WHEN CAN IT HAPPEN FOR US HERE THERE ARE SO MANY POOR SENIORS HERE. HELP US OUT!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Comcast currently offers Internet Essentials in the following NJ crickets: Bayonne, Brick, Camden, Cherry Hill, East Orange, Edison, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Lakewood, Newark, Passaic, Plainfield, Toms River, Trenton, Union City, and Vineland.
We do not know which cable company serves Manchester, Shel. But you should take a look at PCs for People if the Sprint cell network covers your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
joseph hakes says
what can i do like call my internet people in my city and county to get them to see if they can get it here? if anything thanks for response joe
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Find out who your local cable provider is, Joe. Then contact that company’s President and CEO. Send them letters begging, pleading, requesting that their company begin a program like Comcast’s Internet Essentials for seniors. Your local people cannot do anything about this issue. It’s a decision that needs to be made on the national level.